Couples advised to draw up 'pet-nups'
Couples are being advised make plans for their pets in case they divorce.
With one-in-every-four divorces involving a dispute over pets, family law experts are advising couples to put together a plan in case the worst should happen.
Whether a cat, dog or a collection of exotic fish, couples preparing to get married or set up home together are being urged to draw up a pre-nup for their animals this Valentine's Day.
Whilst it may not be the most romantic of conversations, family law experts believe that having a 'pet-nup' for sharing 'custody' of the pet and other details, such as cost of veterinary treatment, will provide peace of mind for both partners.
Andrew Caplen from the Law Society said: “Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular times of the year to get engaged, so we are taking this opportunity to remind people that ensuring you both know where you stand from the outset is a good way to avoid heartache later on, should the worst happen.
“Solicitors are usually the first port of call for people who are divorcing so perhaps we are a little on the cynical side- but we see the problems caused when relationships break down acrimoniously- and it’s usually costly, stressful and emotionally draining for both parties.
"Pets are part of the family so it makes sense to think about their welfare."
Many pets are taken to The Blue Cross following a relationship breakdown. Research by the leading pet charity has revealed that more than one in every four divorces include a dispute over pets. Cats and dogs are the most fought over pets, followed by rabbits, guinea pigs and horses.
Alyson Jones, re-homing development manager at Blue Cross, said: “At our re-homing centres we deal with some very upsetting situations when pets are brought to us following relationship splits. It really is devastating for everyone involved – including the pet. One partner will sometimes bring a pet to us for re-homing without the other’s knowledge.
“Our pets are not just material goods; they are often at the heart of our home lives, so it is a good idea to agree on your pet’s future in advance to make a difficult situation easier. It makes sense to agree up front who will keep your pet so that they don’t get dragged through the courts or end up in our re-homing centres.”
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
